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No. Of Victims Of Sexual Violence Increase

A charity that provides support to victims of sexual violence has said that it has experienced a 20% increase in referrals in the last three months for specialist counselling.

Since October 2016, Nexus has delivered 17,000 counselling sessions, an increase of 2,000 from the previous year.

Nexus offers support and services to people who have been affected by sexual violence in any form, including sexual assault or harassment, rape, sexual abuse, exploitation or grooming. The charity also offers training, post primary education workshops and additional support for families of victims.

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One of the factors for the significant increase in referrals was down to the media coverage in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein allegations; the Hollywood producer has been accused of sexual assault and harassment by numerous women. He has denied the non-consensual sex allegations.

Cara Cash, from Nexus NI, is quoted as saying: "We see the increase in referrals as a positive step forward as it means that victims of any form of sexual violence are starting to feel that they can seek help.

"Sexual assault can have a lifelong impact on a victim and we want to remind them that it is never their fault. They should know they have nothing to be ashamed of and there is strength and hope in seeking help."